Do you need a Novi Divorce Lawyer?

Our divorce lawyer Novi knows divorces are emotional and challenging which can lead to potential poor judgment calls. Not only are you not in the right frame of mind for a healthy, stable relationship, but it can also affect your legal standing in the divorce.

If you are considering a divorce, don’t deal with the matter alone. Seeking the advice of an experienced divorce lawyer is always the best course of action.

Call us today at (248) 650-0055 to find out how our Novi lawyers can help you.

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. was born in Macomb County, Michigan and attended Utica Community Schools before graduating from Michigan State University (1986) and Michigan State College of Law (1989), previously Detroit College of Law (DCL).

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     Excellent  
     Based on 101 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Steve Stanley 
 September 26, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used Sumner and Associates for my Estate Plan. They did an excellent jog. Answered all of my questions thoroughly and did a great job of explaining the documents they provided.  Most of it could be done by phone, which was great. Highly recommend them
  
 
       
   Alana Bartolotta 
 September 17, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently worked with Scott J. Sumner for our family’s estate planning, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. We had a MetLife legal plan through our employer, and found them through that. Scott and his team made what can be a daunting process incredibly easy to understand. They were highly organized, walking us through each step with clarity and professionalism. We felt confident and well-supported throughout, knowing that no detail was overlooked. If you’re looking for an estate planning attorney who truly cares and simplifies the entire process, I highly recommend Scott and his team!
  
 
       
   Amy Dale 
 August 24, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great attention to detail! Scott took his time to explain any questions I had and label pages I need to use at the bank,  etc.  Sarah is also a joy to work with taking all my information and getting the job going.  I highly recommend Sumner and Associates!
  
 
       
   Kira Voelker 
 August 3, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sumner and Associates was wonderful to work with. We were building/updating our wills/trust, working from 2 states. The team was patient with our setup, very informational on combining our existing (and non-existing) paperwork, and made sure we left with everything needed and more for anything that may arise.
  
 
       
   Jeanette Hughes 
 June 27, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sumner & Associates, P. C.
We’re so kind and understanding. Scott walked me through each step of my Estate Planning/Trust process , until I completely understood each page before I signed. Flagged off pages that needed to be signed by family members (with witnesses) just put them back here in the binder.
They also added a checklist of what needs to be done for
TRUST FUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
The little things that I would not think of. Scott and Sara truly stepped up for me when I needed them. THANK YOU
*****YES I WOULD RECOMMEND *****
  
 
       
   Karin Ferrari 
 June 17, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott Sumner was very helpful. He was very attentive and paid attention to my feelings and my case. I can't recommend him enough! He was kind and understanding during a tough divorce. Scott delivered and things went the way I had hoped! I didn't want anything to get nasty in my case and was trying to be as amicable as possible while standing our ground and he helped do exactly that. I give Scott my highest recommendation.
  
 
       
   Jesse Tarala 
 June 2, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Sumner and Associates helped me through a first divorce and made the process very smooth for me. I wasn't sure what to expect, but they communicated the whats, hows, and whens at each step and were always available to discuss questions. Scott Sumner and Sarah Aldred made this whole process a lot easier for me and I am glad I went with this firm for what I needed. Thanks again to everyone on the team who worked with me!
  
 
       
   Kristen Genslak 
 April 21, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience in preparing our estate plan with, Scott Sumner & Associates. He and his team led us through the preparation of the necessary documents with ease. Scott thoroughly reviewed all documents with us to ensure our understanding. Best of all, our estate plan was presented to us, in an organized binder. Thank you so much, Scott, Sarah and Rori for your help. Our appreciation. Kristen Genslak

Frequently Asked Questions for Divorce Lawyer Novi

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?
Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?
My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?

As part of the divorce process, you and your spouse will be required to engage in financial disclosure. Financial disclosure means that you and your spouse will reveal to each other, through your attorneys, all of your assets and debt. Your attorney will review this information and may require additional information. If your attorney believes it is required, more extensive information can be gained by using interrogatories (written questions) or depositions (oral questions in person). Your attorney can also use the Subpoena power of the court to get documents from third parties, such as banks or employers.

Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?

No. The name on the title for the property does not control who will get the property in the end. In a divorce property is broken out into at least three parts- Marital property, Pre-marital property & Separate property. Marital property is typically earned during the marriage and this share is divided equally between the marital partners. Pre-marital property is property earned before the marriage and kept separate from the other spouse during the marriage. A good example of premarital property would be the balance in a 401k retirement account one spouse had, before the marriage. Each party is entitled to keep their premarital interest. Separate property is property owned by one spouse without having any marital contribution. A good example of separate property is inheritance that has been maintained in a separate account from their spouse. If it is true separate property and has not been mixed or commingled with marital property, then that spouse can take their separate property without claim from the other.

My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

Michigan is a no fault divorce state. That means that one spouse does not have to find or name a fault as a cause for the divorce. All one needs to do is meet the State of Michigan’s residency requirements and file a complaint for divorce. If either party wants to pursue the issue of adultery or abuse, remember this is a lawsuit in a court of law and evidence and proof will be required. Even if evidence and proof are shown, it may not affect your settlement. However, in cases where a spouse has expended marital finances to conduct or maintain an extramarital affair, those assets can be allocated to your spouse’s share or adjusted, in the final settlement. Sometimes bad acts such as abuse or adultery can result in a disproportionate settlement, due to the bad behavior of one spouse who causes the breakdown.